As we reported Wednesday, military voters in Virginia and other key states are requesting fewer absentee ballots this year. The group that published the figures, the Military Voter Protection Project, is worried that this voting bloc will be under-represented on Election Day. The Pentagon says the group is overstating the problem.

Want to make both sides happy? Of course you do. Register to vote.

To complete a federal post card application, go to http://www.heroesvote.org. Look for the link to request a absentee ballot. You can also visit the website of the Federal Voting Assistance Program, which is http://www.fvap.gov.

If you have questions or want further help, both Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force Base offer it. Langley's voter assistance officer is at Bateman Library, and they also meet with incoming airmen.

Likewise at Eustis, soldiers receive a briefing during in-processing, and each unit has a voting assistance officer. Eustis soldiers can email usarmy.jble.asa.mbx.voting@mail.mil, or call 878-2024 or 878-5473.

Oct. 15 is the deadline to apply to register to vote in Virginia. Requests to vote absentee by mail must be received by close of business on Oct. 30.

Veterans cemeteries get funding

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded $3.3 million to the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Sen. Mark R. Warner said this week. Another $1.6 million will go to the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia. The grants help fund roadway expansions, irrigation improvements and new signage.